Framing
Most lifts are sized to fit between roof trusses at standard spacing. Trusses must never be cut or altered without an engineer's approved repair, so we plan around them.
Attic storage lifts · Garages · Central Florida
Attic lift installation
Quick answer
An attic lift is a motorized platform mounted in the ceiling, usually in the garage, that lowers to the floor, takes your storage boxes and carries them up into the attic at the push of a button. It keeps attic storage usable without carrying boxes up a folding ladder. HandyMangum installs attic lifts between the ceiling framing, adds the safety rail around the opening in the attic and finishes the ceiling; the dedicated outlet the motor needs is installed by a licensed electrician. Call or text (407) 699-1123 for a free estimate.
Why people add an attic lift
In most Central Florida homes the attic over the garage is the only real storage space, and the only way up is a folding ladder. Carrying a heavy box up a ladder with one hand is one of the easier ways to get hurt at home, and many people simply stop using the attic.
An attic lift does the lifting. You load the platform at floor level, it rises into the attic, and you unload it from the attic floor, or leave items on it. It suits anyone who does not want to climb attic ladders with their hands full, including people planning to age in place in their homes.
Who it helps
- Anyone who does not want to carry boxes up an attic ladder
- Older homeowners keeping their attic storage usable as they age in place
- People with back, knee or shoulder problems
- Families storing holiday decorations, bins and luggage
- Homes with a floored attic over the garage
- Anyone who has stopped using the attic because it is too hard to reach
How the install works
Check the attic
We look at the framing direction and spacing, headroom, the attic floor, where the lift would land in the garage, and the nearest power.
Plan the opening
The lift is placed between framing members so nothing structural is cut, clear of the garage door track and opener.
Install and wire
We cut and frame the opening, mount the lift and its platform, and a licensed electrician installs the dedicated outlet.
Rail, trim and test
We add the safety rail around the opening in the attic, trim the ceiling, test the lift with a load and show you the controls.
What to think about
Electrical outlet
The motor plugs into an outlet near the lift, usually on its own circuit. That outlet is installed by a licensed electrician.
Safety rail
The attic side of the opening gets a rail or guard so no one steps into it while the platform is down.
Attic floor and landing
You need a solid, floored area around the opening in the attic to unload onto. We can add attic flooring around the lift.
Garage layout
The lift has to clear the garage door, its tracks and the opener, and land where a car is not parked.
Fire separation
If the garage ceiling is a required fire separation, such as a ceiling under living space, the opening has to keep that protection. We check before quoting.
What affects the cost
- Lift size and capacity. Larger platforms and higher capacity lifts take more framing work
- Framing and access. Truss spacing, attic headroom and how far the lift has to travel
- Electrical. Whether an outlet is already nearby or a new circuit is needed
- Attic flooring. Adding a floored landing area around the opening
- Permits. Some cities and counties require a permit for the ceiling opening or the new circuit
- Fire-rated ceiling. A required fire separation adds materials and steps
If any part of the job needs a permit or a state-licensed trade, such as new plumbing lines or new wiring, we tell you during the quote and that part is handled by properly licensed professionals.
Attic Lift Installation FAQs
What is an attic lift?
A motorized storage platform mounted in the ceiling, usually in the garage, that lowers to the floor for loading and carries boxes up into the attic, so no one has to carry them up a ladder.
Will an attic lift fit in my garage?
Most garages with an attic above them can take one. It depends on the framing direction and spacing, the headroom in the attic, and keeping clear of the garage door and opener. We check all of that before quoting.
Do you have to cut the trusses?
No. We place the lift between the trusses. Cutting or altering a truss needs an engineer's approved repair, and we tell you if a lift will not fit without one.
Does an attic lift need its own outlet?
It needs an outlet within reach of the motor, often on its own circuit. A licensed electrician installs it as part of the job.
How much weight can an attic lift carry?
It depends on the model. We help you pick one rated for what you plan to store and the framing it hangs from.
Is an attic lift good for aging in place?
Yes. It keeps the attic usable without climbing a ladder with your hands full. See our aging in place and home modifications services for other changes that help.
How do I get an estimate?
Estimates are free. Call or text (407) 699-1123, or send the online request with a few photos. We send a written quote before any work starts.
Make the attic easy to use
Call or text (407) 699-1123, or send the online request with a few photos. Estimates are free on every job.